Jorge Sampaoli would conquer Europe with Barcelona

After Luis Enrique announced that he would be quitting Barcelona come summer, like a death row inmate swallowing a cyanide pill, the search is on for a replacement. The shortlist, in truth, should be comprised of one single name.

Jorge Sampaoli, the South American coach currently exceeding all expectations with Sevilla, could reach heights never seen in world football if given the job in Catalonia.

Sampaoli demonstrated with Chile – where he won the Copa America and played such lovely football in the 2014 World Cup before an unfortunate and undeserved penalty loss against hosts Brazil – that he is capable of inspiring a team to over perform. Just ask any Manchester City fan how good they think a manager must be to win a major trophy with Claudio Bravo in goal, or United supporters what they think of a man who can make Marcos Rojo look like a world-beater.

Having resigned as Chile manager, much to the dismay of their followers, Sampaoli took over a Sevilla side that looked to be on a downward trajectory after losing Unai Emery and many of its star players. The result has been quite the opposite; the club has somehow managed to push on and overachieve even more. The Andalusian outfit are currently on the verge of reaching the Champions League quarterfinals and two points off the top of La Liga, looking capable of doing better than Barcelona in both competitions.

The 56-year-old is also, of course, Argentinian; having a compatriot as his manager could be instrumental in keeping Lionel Messi at Barcelona and firing on all cylinders. Messi has been known to let his emotions affect his football in the past and has also clashed with Luis Enrique. Such bad blood is unlikely with Sampaoli, not only because of his nationality but because he has been vocal in supporting the star after criticism from the Argentine press and supporters, and because he’s Lionel Messi.

Sampaoli: "Do I dream of coaching Messi? Coaching him will always be a desire of mine. It doesn't only depend on me."

One side such a move might be bad news for, however, is Arsenal. Sampaoli got the best out of Alexis Sánchez with Chile and could look to bring the attacker back to Barcelona should he get the job. Competition would be tough, obviously; Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar are regarded by many as the best forward line ever to grace the game, but the prospect of Sánchez playing under the manager who gets the most out of him alongside the mercurial talents is tantalising.

All things considered, Sampaoli seems to be the hand that fits perfectly into the incredibly awkward glove that is Barcelona boss, the only question is whether a notoriously erratic board will make the correct decision.

The replacement of Enrique is obvious, but who should replace Arsene Wenger at the end of the season?

Chris Hughton

An unconventional choice, perhaps, but that's the way football is going these days. Hughton has proven himself time and time again and it's time for a big side to grow some grapefruits and take a chance on the 58-year-old. Image Source: Twitter

Eddie Howe

Captain obvious, yes, but Eddie Howe could work wonders at Arsenal. Whilst it almost seems too obvious to happen at this point, Howe is young enough and hungry enough to build something in North London. Image Source: Twitter

Patrick Vieira

Ex-players turned managers doesn't work out all too often in the modern day game, but Patrick Vieira is a different animal completely. The Frenchman may not be best mates with Arsene right now, but his early success with NYCFC speaks for itself. Image Source: Twitter

Steve Bould

A bloke who you wouldn't want to look at the wrong way, and someone who knows the system at Arsenal like the back of his hand. Take a chance, Keswick. Image Source: Twitter

Diego Simeone

Simeone would strike so much fear into the hearts of the Gunners, that they'd end up winning the treble for fear of him burning their houses down. Image Source: Twitter

Sean Dyche

Another potentially surprising choice given Dyche's loyalty to Burnley, but the former defender knows a cracking opportunity when he sees one. Image Source: Twitter

Ralph Hasenhuttl

Manager of the next Leicester City a.k.a RB Leipzig. Image Source: Twitter

Luis Enrique

As far as under pressure gaffers go, Luis Enrique is right up there. It's a shame because he's actually a top level boss, he just needs the right job to sink his teeth into. Hint hint. Image Source: Twitter

Zinedine Zidane

Form fades. It may sound harsh, but the highly acclaimed Real Madrid boss is riding the longest wave of momentum in football history and eventually it'll come to a screeching halt. Following that, a quick dabble in English football seems like a natural progression. Image Source: Twitter

Garry Monk

Monk falls into that special category of talented but underrated, much like Chris Hughton and Sean Dyche. The Leeds boss has turned the Yorkshire based club around and whilst Arsenal may be on a different level, you never know. Image Source: Twitter

Claudio Ranieri

"Hang on, that Italian fella took Leicester to the title - maybe he could do the same for us. May aswell, like". Image Source: Twitter

Rafael Benitez

He's literally had an absolute tonne of big jobs and has succeeded more often than not, so it's worth a punt. Image Source: Twitter